Myco-Nourishment from the Wild: Chemical Analyses of the Nutritional and Amino Acid Profile of Termitomyces robustus Harvested from Uzuakoli, Nigeria

Abstract

Though there are reports on the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of edible mushrooms in Nigeria, there is as yet no report on Termitomyces robustus sourced from the rainforest zone of South-Eastern Nigeria. To fill this knowledge-gap, fresh samples of Termitomyces robustus were purchased from locals in Uzuakoli, Abia State, Nigeria. They were sorted, cleaned up and pulverised into a fine powder. Proximate, anti-nutrient and amino acid composition of the powder were determined using standard methods. The macro-nutrients profile in general showed that Termitomyces robustus is a rich source of protein (33.8 ± 0.3%) with an excellent amino acid composition. It also had high carbohydrate content (54.3 ± 0.2%) but minimal fat content (3.4 ± 0.0%). The energy content of Termitomyces robustus was calculated to be 382.6 ± 1.4 kcal/g. The mushrooms are also good sources of minerals such as potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium. Anti-nutritional factors such as oxalates, tannins and trypsin inhibitors were found to be present in the mushroom in small quantities. These findings indicate that Termitomyces robustus is a low energy, health-food that may provide the relevant nutrients without the burden of excess calories.